Playing tight end in the NFL isn’t what it used to be.

Today’s best players at the position are asked to do as much as any player on the field, from blocking like another offensive lineman to making a dynamic impact on the passing game.

One of the league’s most complete players at the position, Delanie Walker of the Tennessee Titans recently spoke exclusively with Draft Wire about the evolution of the position, and which young players have caught his eye.

JM: You’re working with the FedEx Football Fellowship Program which is a collaborative effort between FedEx and the USO which helps create on the job experience for veterans as they transition from the military back to civilian life. How important are programs like this in our country?

DW: This is a very important program and I’m honored to join FedEx and the USO to support our military veterans and their families as they prepare for life after military service. I think that these men and women have done a great job protecting our country and they deserve every opportunity they can get to help transition back to every day life. Anything I or the Titans organization can do to help assist this wonderful program is a bonus to me. They deserve the immediate opportunity to get jobs once they return to regular civilization.

JM: I’m curious to get your take on the state of the NFL draft when it comes to the tight end position. When you were drafted, the collegiate tight end was asked to do a lot. Despite being a later pick, you came into the league with the skills required to make the massive impact that you’ve made throughout your long, illustrious career. Not only are you an excellent receiver and route runner, but you’re an excellent blocker and even played a ton of special teams in your San Francisco days. Have you noticed this difference with today’s young tight ends?

DW: The tight end position has changed a lot from when I first entered the league. The role of a tight end nowadays is pretty much to be a receiver first and foremost. That’s what it’s transitioned over to. You have to be able to catch the ball and run routes from the outside in. You still need to be able to block though. I feel like tight ends have multiple roles on the offense. It’s almost like we’re another quarterback out there. We need to know the fronts, we need to understand the coverage and we pretty much need to know what everyone’s role is on every play. We can line up just about anywhere on any given play.

I’m glad that the role has changed so much to be honest. If anything, it’s given the tight end more exposure which has probably lead to some bigger pay days for us all (laughs).

JM: I’m curious if there’s part of you that thinks rookie tight ends are struggling to make an immediate impact nowadays because they’re asked to do so little in college?

DW: Yeah, that’s the tough part when it comes to all this. Like you said, they’re not asked to do a whole lot in college nowadays. They’re pretty much just asked to catch the ball and maybe block a nine technique. When they get to the NFL, everything changes. They want you to be able to play fullback in addition to tight end. You have to know how to pull a lead block once you get here. You have to be able to survive on the outside while reading coverages. The transition is definitely more difficult for the tight end nowadays. Most college offenses will build around you and they baby them a little bit. When you get to the NFL, they’re gonna throw you into the fire. You have to be able to learn on the fly. It’s tough for the young guys. I understand why that can make life difficult for some of these rookies.

JM: Who are some of your favorite young tight ends in the game today?

DW: George Kittle, for sure. Kittle has been a monster since he came into this league man. He’s been balling out. I’ve been keeping a close eye on him and he’s definitely doing his thing. I love watching him play the game man. I like seeing what he’s doing in San Francisco. You know I played in San Francisco for a while. It means a lot to me when I see a young guy representing San Francisco the way they deserve to be represented.

I have to mention my teammate Jonnu Smith, as well. He’s been showing up for us in a big way since I’ve been injured. He’s been playing great. We’ve asked him to do a lot of things and he’s doing a great job out there. Zach Ertz is another one. There’s so many tight ends out here chilling right now (laughs). The younger tight ends are really showing up. I’m a savvy veteran and I’m proud of every single one of them.

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